Japan’s commitment to international law and stability could bolster global efforts to address pressing issues such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and energy security, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested during her recent address to the United Nations General Assembly. By reaffirming Japan’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and advocating for United Nations reforms, Takaichi emphasized Japan’s role in promoting a free and open global order.
Speaking at the UN for the first time since taking office, Takaichi highlighted the necessity of maintaining a stable international environment in the face of new geopolitical challenges. She noted that the post-Cold War stability had ended, underscoring the importance of the United Nations in sustaining peace. To enhance its effectiveness, she called for reforms to the UN Security Council to make it more representative of today’s international community.
Prime Minister Takaichi reiterated Japan’s longstanding support for international judicial institutions, including the ICC, a stance rooted in the country’s post-World War II history. Notably, her remarks avoided direct mention of the US sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, who is Japanese.
Addressing regional security concerns, Takaichi condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as unacceptable unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force. She urged for more robust international collaboration to tackle North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile programs, while expressing Japan’s readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Takaichi also addressed economic and energy security, emphasizing Japan’s efforts to collaborate with Gulf countries to ensure resilient and stable energy supplies amid disruptions in key trade routes. She called for enhanced international cooperation on critical resources and the development of artificial intelligence, highlighting these areas as vital for future global security and prosperity.